Girona faced a setback as they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat against Athletic Bilbao in a La Liga clash that had significant implications for the Spanish league title race.

The Catalan side, currently trailing Real Madrid, had a golden opportunity to narrow the gap but failed to seize it, remaining six points adrift of the league leaders.

The encounter saw Athletic Bilbao’s Alex Berenguer shine with a remarkable brace, securing a vital win for his team. Berenguer opened the scoring in the second minute, skillfully maneuvering past the Girona defence and delivering a left-footed shot from outside the box.

Despite Viktor Tsygankov’s equaliser early in the second half, Berenguer struck again in the 56th minute, and Iñaki Williams extended the lead four minutes later with a precise low shot.

Girona fought back, with Eric García heading in a wicked cross from Aleix Garcia, but their efforts fell short. The defeat marked Girona’s second consecutive loss in La Liga, raising questions about their ability to maintain their early-season form.

As the final whistle blew, Athletic Bilbao celebrated a crucial victory that not only propelled them up the standings but also ignited hopes of a coveted Champions League spot.

Williams, expressing optimism about their prospects, said, “Of course we’re going to dream about the Champions League. We’re taking it step by step, as we’ve been quietly saying. We’re working and pushing ourselves to the max so that the success makes the noise.”

For Girona, the loss posed a challenge to their lofty La Liga title ambitions. Unbeaten for over three months, they now find themselves facing increased competition from the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

With only two points separating them from Barcelona and a slim lead over Atletico, Girona must regroup to stay in contention.

The defeat against Athletic Bilbao not only reflected Girona’s recent struggles but also highlighted the competitive nature of La Liga, where every match carries significant consequences for the title race.